Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) Policy
Standards for maintaining good academic standing
Elevate for Humanity requires all students to maintain Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) to remain enrolled in their program. This policy establishes the standards for academic achievement and the pace at which students must progress through their program.
SAP Requirements
Students must meet all three of the following requirements to maintain SAP:
1. Qualitative Standard (Academic Achievement)
Students must maintain a minimum cumulative grade average of 70% (C or equivalent) across all coursework, including:
- Online module assessments
- Quizzes and exams
- Assignments and projects
- Practical skills evaluations
2. Quantitative Standard (Pace of Completion)
Students must successfully complete at least 67% of all attempted coursework at each evaluation point. This is calculated as:
Pace = (Completed Hours or Modules) ÷ (Attempted Hours or Modules) × 100
Example: A student who has attempted 10 modules must have successfully completed at least 7 modules (70%) to meet the pace requirement.
3. Maximum Timeframe
Students must complete their program within 150% of the published program length.
| Program | Published Length | Maximum Timeframe |
|---|---|---|
| Barber Apprenticeship | 12 months | 18 months |
| HVAC Technician | 9 months | 13.5 months |
| Medical Assistant | 12 weeks | 18 weeks |
| CNA | 6 weeks | 9 weeks |
| CDL | 6 weeks | 9 weeks |
SAP Evaluation Points
SAP is evaluated at the following points:
- Programs 12 weeks or less: At the midpoint and end of the program
- Programs longer than 12 weeks: At the end of each month or module, whichever is more frequent
- Clock hour programs: At each 450-hour increment or monthly, whichever is more frequent
Students will receive written notification of their SAP status after each evaluation.
Academic Standing
Good Standing
Students meeting all SAP requirements are in good standing and may continue in their program without restriction.
SAP Warning
Students who fail to meet SAP requirements at an evaluation point will be placed on SAP Warning for the next evaluation period. During warning:
- Student may continue in the program
- Student must meet with academic advisor
- An academic improvement plan will be developed
- Student must meet SAP by the next evaluation to return to good standing
SAP Probation
Students who fail to meet SAP after the warning period and have successfully appealed may be placed on SAP Probation. During probation:
- Student may continue under strict academic plan
- Weekly check-ins with academic advisor required
- Specific milestones must be met
- Failure to meet milestones results in dismissal
Academic Dismissal
Students who fail to meet SAP after the warning period (without successful appeal) or who fail to meet probation requirements will be academically dismissed from the program. Dismissed students may apply for re-enrollment after a minimum of one enrollment period.
SAP Appeal Process
Students who fail to meet SAP may appeal if extenuating circumstances affected their academic performance. Extenuating circumstances may include:
- Serious illness or injury (student or immediate family member)
- Death of an immediate family member
- Significant personal crisis (documented)
- Other circumstances beyond the student's control
To Appeal:
- Submit a written appeal within 5 business days of SAP notification
- Explain the circumstances that affected your performance
- Provide supporting documentation
- Describe what has changed that will allow you to meet SAP going forward
- Submit to: Student Services, our contact form
Appeals are reviewed by the Academic Standards Committee. Students will receive a written decision within 10 business days. The committee's decision is final.
Re-establishing SAP
Students on Warning or Probation can return to Good Standing by:
- Achieving a cumulative grade average of 70% or higher
- Achieving a pace of completion of 67% or higher
- Remaining within the maximum timeframe
- Meeting all requirements of their academic improvement plan
Once SAP is re-established, the student returns to Good Standing and the warning/probation status is removed from their record.
Incomplete Grades and Withdrawals
Incomplete (I) Grades
Incomplete grades count as attempted but not completed for pace calculations. Students have 14 days to complete outstanding work before the grade converts to a failing grade.
Withdrawals (W)
Withdrawn courses count as attempted but not completed for pace calculations. Withdrawals do not affect the qualitative (grade) calculation.
Repeated Coursework
Students may repeat failed coursework once. Both attempts count toward attempted hours for pace calculation, but only the higher grade is used for the qualitative calculation.
Effective Date: January 2026
Questions about SAP? Contact Student Services at Visit Support Center or our contact form
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